diff --git a/alembic/versions/20260703_2250_57bb65130b97_add_path_hash_bytes_to_raw_packets.py b/alembic/versions/20260703_2250_57bb65130b97_add_path_hash_bytes_to_raw_packets.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ca552dd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/alembic/versions/20260703_2250_57bb65130b97_add_path_hash_bytes_to_raw_packets.py
@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+"""add path_hash_bytes to raw_packets
+
+Revision ID: 57bb65130b97
+Revises: 38abdf4651fc
+Create Date: 2026-07-03 22:50:33.598167+00:00
+
+Adds a nullable ``path_hash_bytes`` column to ``raw_packets`` (widest
+path-hash prefix width: 1/2/3, or NULL when no path hashes are present).
+The collector computes this at ingest going forward; this migration
+backfills historical rows from their stored ``decoded`` JSON using a
+self-contained, frozen copy of the dual-path extraction logic.
+
+"""
+
+from typing import Any, Sequence, Union
+
+from alembic import op
+import sqlalchemy as sa
+
+# revision identifiers, used by Alembic.
+revision: str = "57bb65130b97"
+down_revision: Union[str, None] = "38abdf4651fc"
+branch_labels: Union[str, Sequence[str], None] = None
+depends_on: Union[str, Sequence[str], None] = None
+
+_BATCH_SIZE = 1000
+
+# Declared with a sa.JSON-typed column so the SQLAlchemy type adapter
+# deserializes ``decoded`` to a Python dict consistently on both SQLite
+# (TEXT storage) and Postgres.  Using raw text("SELECT decoded ...") would
+# bypass the adapter and make deserialization driver-dependent.
+_raw_packets = sa.table(
+    "raw_packets",
+    sa.Column("id", sa.String, primary_key=True),
+    sa.Column("decoded", sa.JSON),
+    sa.Column("path_hash_bytes", sa.Integer),
+)
+
+
+def _normalize_hash_list(value: Any) -> list[str] | None:
+    """Frozen copy of LetsMeshNormalizer._normalize_hash_list.
+
+    Accepts even-length hex strings of 2 or more characters.
+    Each string is uppercased and validated as hexadecimal.
+    """
+    if not isinstance(value, list):
+        return None
+    normalized: list[str] = []
+    for item in value:
+        if not isinstance(item, str):
+            continue
+        token = item.strip().upper()
+        if len(token) < 2 or len(token) % 2 != 0:
+            continue
+        if any(ch not in "0123456789ABCDEF" for ch in token):
+            continue
+        normalized.append(token)
+    return normalized or None
+
+
+def _compute_path_hash_byte_width(decoded: Any) -> int | None:
+    """Frozen copy of the dual-path extraction + max(len//2) logic.
+
+    Path hashes live at ``decoded.path`` for normal packets, with
+    ``decoded.payload.decoded.pathHashes`` as the trace-style fallback.
+    Returns the widest prefix width in bytes, or None when no path hashes
+    are present/decodable.
+    """
+    if not isinstance(decoded, dict):
+        return None
+    hashes = _normalize_hash_list(decoded.get("path"))
+    if not hashes:
+        payload = decoded.get("payload") or {}
+        inner = payload.get("decoded") or {}
+        hashes = _normalize_hash_list(inner.get("pathHashes"))
+    if not hashes:
+        return None
+    return max(len(h) // 2 for h in hashes)
+
+
+def upgrade() -> None:
+    with op.batch_alter_table("raw_packets", schema=None) as batch_op:
+        batch_op.add_column(sa.Column("path_hash_bytes", sa.Integer(), nullable=True))
+
+    conn = op.get_bind()
+
+    # Keyset-paginated backfill over all rows so rows whose ``decoded`` is
+    # NULL (uncomputable) are visited once and left NULL without causing an
+    # infinite loop.
+    last_id: str | None = None
+    while True:
+        query = (
+            sa.select(_raw_packets.c.id, _raw_packets.c.decoded)
+            .order_by(_raw_packets.c.id)
+            .limit(_BATCH_SIZE)
+        )
+        if last_id is not None:
+            query = query.where(_raw_packets.c.id > last_id)
+
+        batch = conn.execute(query).all()
+        if not batch:
+            break
+
+        for row in batch:
+            last_id = row.id
+            width = _compute_path_hash_byte_width(row.decoded)
+            if width is not None:
+                conn.execute(
+                    sa.update(_raw_packets)
+                    .where(_raw_packets.c.id == row.id)
+                    .values(path_hash_bytes=width)
+                )
+
+
+def downgrade() -> None:
+    with op.batch_alter_table("raw_packets", schema=None) as batch_op:
+        batch_op.drop_column("path_hash_bytes")
diff --git a/docs/plans/20260703-2338-path-hash-bytes-filter/plan.md b/docs/plans/20260703-2338-path-hash-bytes-filter/plan.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fba610b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/plans/20260703-2338-path-hash-bytes-filter/plan.md
@@ -0,0 +1,330 @@
+# Persist & Filter by Path-Hash Byte Width
+
+## Summary
+
+The packet list page (`/packets`, served by `GET /api/v1/packet-groups`) shows a
+"path-hash byte width" metric per row — the ruler badge (`1B`/`2B`/`3B`/`?B`) we
+recently added to the reception widget. That value is currently **derived at
+request time** in Python by decoding each group's `decoded` JSON, which makes it
+unfilterable at the database level and forces an expensive extra query on every
+list load.
+
+This plan **persists `path_hash_bytes` as a real column on `RawPacket`**, computed
+once at ingest by the collector and backfilled for historical rows. With the value
+persisted, the grouped-list route's Python decode loop collapses into a SQL
+`MAX()` aggregate, and we add a clean **discrete-select filter** (Any / 1B / 2B /
+3B) to the packet list page via a `HAVING` clause — fully consistent pagination and
+counts, with no per-request JSON decoding.
+
+## Background & Motivation
+
+### Current State
+
+- `path_hash_bytes` is **not a column**. It is computed at runtime in
+  `api/routes/packet_groups.py:198-216` ("Phase 3"), which fetches the `decoded`
+  JSON for every reception of the current page's packet hashes, extracts the path
+  arrays, and aggregates the widest byte-width (1/2/3 from 2/4/6 hex chars). The
+  aggregation was recently fixed (PR #292, commit `f845830`) to take `MAX`
+  across **all** receptions because the decoded `path` is observer-relative — a
+  single representative row often misses a multibyte path that other receptions
+  carry.
+- The packet list widget renders this as `[Dish][oc] × [Path][rc] @ [Ruler][pb]`,
+  the most prominent path metric on the list.
+- The collector is the **sole writer** of `RawPacket`, through a single chokepoint
+  `store_raw_packet` (`collector/handlers/raw_packet.py:122-138`). It already
+  computes `path_len` (hop count) there with a two-tier fallback
+  (`raw_packet.py:92-96`), and it already has a collector-side mirror of the
+  path-hash extraction: `_extract_message_path_hashes`
+  (`letsmesh_normalizer.py:826-844`) + the `_normalize_hash_list` staticmethod
+  (`:846-867`).
+- The raw `/packets` endpoint already supports `min_path_len`/`max_path_len`
+  range filters on the real `path_len` column — the closest filtering precedent.
+
+### Problems
+
+- **Unfilterable.** Because the value is computed post-query in Python, it cannot
+  be filtered at the SQL level without either persisting a column or pushing
+  brittle, backend-specific JSON extraction into SQL (dual-path: `decoded.path`
+  and the trace fallback `decoded.payload.decoded.pathHashes`).
+- **Pagination inconsistency.** A post-query Python filter (the only no-migration
+  hack) would make `total` and page sizes inconsistent — bad UX.
+- **Request-time cost.** Every list load performs an extra decoded-JSON fetch +
+  per-row Python decode just to render the badge.
+
+### Why Persist a Column (chosen approach)
+
+The user confirmed the metric is **byte width** (the ruler badge) and the
+approach is **persisted column (A)**. This is the only solution that is correct,
+maintainable, and gives consistent pagination. The collector already extracts
+path hashes at ingest, so computing the byte-width there is a trivial addition
+covering 100% of new rows; a one-time Python backfill covers historical rows.
+
+## Goals
+
+- Persist `path_hash_bytes` (nullable `Integer`, values 1/2/3 or NULL) on
+  `RawPacket`, computed at ingest from the decoded path hashes.
+- Backfill the column for all existing `raw_packets` rows from their `decoded`
+  JSON, portably across SQLite and Postgres.
+- Add a **discrete-select filter** (Any / 1B / 2B / 3B) to the `/packets` list
+  page, applied as a SQL `HAVING` on the per-group `MAX(path_hash_bytes)`.
+- Simplify the grouped-list route: replace the Python decode loop (Phase 3) with
+  a SQL `MAX()` aggregate, removing the per-request JSON fetch.
+
+## Non-Goals
+
+- Filtering the **raw** `/packets` endpoint (not the list page) by byte width.
+  The column will exist on the model and DB, but surfacing it on the raw endpoint
+  / `RawPacketRead` schema is out of scope (easy follow-up).
+- An "Unknown" (`?B` / null) filter option — the user chose **known widths only**
+  (1/2/3). Null-width packets are simply never selected by the filter; they
+  remain visible under "Any".
+- A numeric range (min/max) or multi-select filter shape — the user chose a
+  **discrete single-select**.
+- Indexing `path_hash_bytes` (mirrors `path_len`, which is also unindexed). Add
+  an index later only if query plans show a need.
+- Changing the per-reception path extraction in the **detail** route
+  (`_extract_path_hashes` stays; only the list-path width computation is removed).
+
+## Requirements
+
+### Functional Requirements
+
+- **FR-1**: A new nullable `Integer` column `path_hash_bytes` on `raw_packets`,
+  holding the widest path-hash prefix width (1/2/3) for that reception, or NULL
+  when no path hashes are present/decodable.
+- **FR-2**: Every newly inserted `RawPacket` row has `path_hash_bytes` computed
+  from its `decoded` dict at ingest (collector is the sole writer).
+- **FR-3**: Historical `raw_packets` rows are backfilled from their `decoded`
+  JSON during migration, using the same dual-path extraction and `max(len//2)`
+  semantics as the runtime computation.
+- **FR-4**: `GET /api/v1/packet-groups` accepts an optional
+  `path_hash_bytes` query parameter (integer 1/2/3). When set, only groups whose
+  `MAX(path_hash_bytes)` equals the value are returned. Omitting it returns all
+  groups (including null-width ones) — unchanged behavior.
+- **FR-5**: The list response still nulls `path_hash_bytes` for redacted groups
+  (channel-visibility), exactly as today (`None if is_redacted else ...`).
+- **FR-6**: The `/packets` SPA page offers a **discrete `<select>`** filter
+  ("Path width": Any / 1B / 2B / 3B) that auto-submits and round-trips through
+  the URL query string, surviving pagination and sort changes.
+
+### Technical Requirements
+
+- **TR-1** — Model (`common/models/raw_packet.py`): add
+  `path_hash_bytes: Mapped[Optional[int]] = mapped_column(Integer, nullable=True)`
+  immediately after `path_len`. Unindexed (mirrors `path_len`).
+- **TR-2** — Collector (`collector/handlers/raw_packet.py`): in
+  `store_raw_packet`, after `path_len` is resolved (~line 96), compute
+  `path_hash_bytes` from `decoded_packet` via the two-tier lookup
+  (`decoded.path` → `payload.decoded.pathHashes`) using the already-imported
+  `LetsMeshNormalizer._normalize_hash_list` staticmethod, then
+  `max(len(h) // 2 for h in hashes)`. Add a small module-level
+  `_path_hash_byte_width(hashes)` helper (mirrors the API route's helper; the
+  API copy is deleted in Phase 3 so no naming collision persists). Pass
+  `path_hash_bytes=` into the `RawPacket(...)` kwargs. Must be null-safe (no
+  path → `None`).
+- **TR-3** — Migration (`alembic/versions/`, `down_revision = "38abdf4651fc"`):
+  author via `meshcore-hub db revision --autogenerate -m "add path_hash_bytes to
+  raw_packets"` (produces a `batch_alter_table` `add_column`), then **manually
+  append a Python batched backfill** (~1000 rows/batch) that reads each row's
+  `decoded` JSON, applies the self-contained dual-path extraction +
+  `max(len//2)`, and `UPDATE`s the column. Python (not SQL JSON) so it is
+  portable across SQLite and Postgres. Migration logic must be a frozen
+  self-contained snapshot (no imports of app code that may change). Downgrade
+  drops the column. **Read mechanism**: the `decoded` column must be read via a
+  Core `select()` on a `sa.Table` declared with a `sa.JSON`-typed column (or
+  explicitly `json.loads()` the fetched scalar), **not** raw
+  `text("SELECT decoded ...")`. Raw `text()` bypasses SQLAlchemy's JSON type
+  adapter, so deserialization becomes driver-dependent (SQLite returns TEXT,
+  Postgres/psycopg2 may return a parsed object or string). Core `select()`
+  routes through the type adapter and yields a Python `dict` consistently on
+  both backends.
+- **TR-4** — API route (`api/routes/packet_groups.py`):
+  - Phase 1 `group_query` select: add
+    `func.max(RawPacket.path_hash_bytes).label("path_hash_bytes")`.
+  - New param: `path_hash_bytes: Optional[int] = Query(None, ge=1, le=3,
+    description="Filter by path-hash byte width (1/2/3)")`.
+  - Apply filter:
+    `if path_hash_bytes is not None: group_query = group_query.having(func.max(RawPacket.path_hash_bytes) == path_hash_bytes)`.
+  - **Delete Phase 3** (lines 198-216, the `decoded_rows` fetch + `width_by_hash`
+    loop). Read `grp.path_hash_bytes` from the group row instead.
+  - Build item with
+    `path_hash_bytes=(None if is_redacted else grp.path_hash_bytes)`.
+  - Remove the now-dead `_path_hash_byte_width` helper (lines 54-59) from this
+    file. **Keep** `_extract_path_hashes` — the detail route `get_packet_group`
+    still uses it (`:311`).
+- **TR-5** — Frontend (`packets.js`):
+  - Parse `const path_hash_bytes = query.path_hash_bytes || '';` alongside the
+    other filter reads (~line 57).
+  - Extend `hasActiveFilters` (~line 72) with `|| path_hash_bytes !== ''`.
+  - Add a 4th entry to the `filterFields` array (~line 170): a
+    `<select name="path_hash_bytes" class="select select-sm" @change=${autoSubmit}>`
+    with options Any / 1B / 2B / 3B, mirroring the `event_type` select style.
+    Option labels reuse `packets.path_width_bytes` (`{{count}}B`) and
+    `common.all` / a new `packets.filter_path_width` label.
+  - Add `if (path_hash_bytes !== '') apiParams.path_hash_bytes = path_hash_bytes;`
+    (~line 111).
+  - Add `path_hash_bytes` to the `pagination(...)` params (~line 166) and
+    `headerParams` (~line 194) so it survives pagination and sort.
+- **TR-6** — i18n (`locales/en.json`, `locales/nl.json`): add
+  `packets.filter_path_width` ("Path width" / "Padbreedte"). Option labels reuse
+  existing `packets.path_width_bytes` and `common.all` — no new keys needed for
+  them.
+- **TR-7** — `apiGet` (`api.js`) and `createFilterHandler` (`components.js`)
+  already skip empty/falsy values, so no changes there.
+
+## Implementation Plan
+
+### Phase 1: Model & Migration
+
+- Add `path_hash_bytes` column to `RawPacket` (TR-1).
+- Generate the migration with `--autogenerate` against head `38abdf4651fc`
+  (TR-3), producing `batch_alter_table` `add_column`.
+- Manually append the Python batched backfill loop (TR-3): read
+  `id, decoded WHERE path_hash_bytes IS NULL` in batches (~1000 rows/batch)
+  via a Core `select()` on a `sa.Table` with a `sa.JSON`-typed `decoded` column
+  (so the type adapter deserializes to a `dict` on both SQLite and Postgres —
+  do **not** use raw `text("SELECT decoded ...")`), compute width, `UPDATE`.
+  The backfill must include a **self-contained**, frozen copy of the dual-path
+  extraction + `max(len//2)` logic — no imports of app code that may change in
+  future versions. Rows where `decoded` is `None` are left as `NULL` (the
+  column is nullable; `WHERE path_hash_bytes IS NULL` naturally skips
+  already-filled rows and leaves truly uncomputable ones alone).
+- Verify the model test (column presence/default) and that `db upgrade` applies
+  cleanly on both backends.
+
+### Phase 2: Collector Ingest Compute
+
+- Add the module-level `_path_hash_byte_width(hashes)` helper in
+  `collector/handlers/raw_packet.py`.
+- In `store_raw_packet`, compute `path_hash_bytes` from `decoded_packet` after
+  `path_len`, using `LetsMeshNormalizer._normalize_hash_list` + the two-tier
+  lookup (TR-2). Pass it into the `RawPacket(...)` kwargs.
+- Add a collector test: `store_raw_packet` persists the expected width for a
+  decoded packet carrying `decoded.path`, for the trace fallback path, and
+  `None` when no path is present (mirror the existing `path_len` test).
+
+### Phase 3: API Route Simplification & Filter
+
+- In `packet_groups.py`, add the `func.max(RawPacket.path_hash_bytes)` aggregate
+  to Phase 1 and the new `path_hash_bytes` query param + `HAVING` filter (TR-4).
+- Delete Phase 3 (the Python decode loop); read `grp.path_hash_bytes`. Remove the
+  now-dead `_path_hash_byte_width` helper. Keep `_extract_path_hashes`.
+- Preserve redaction nulling in the item construction (TR-4 / FR-5).
+- Update `tests/test_api/test_packet_groups.py::TestPathHashBytes` to set
+  `path_hash_bytes=` directly on inserted `RawPacket` rows (tests bypass the
+  collector). Keep 1/2/3/None/redacted coverage.
+- Add filter tests: `?path_hash_bytes=2` returns only width-2 groups;
+  `?path_hash_bytes=1`/`3` likewise; omitted returns all; a redacted group's
+  response field is still null.
+
+### Phase 4: Frontend Filter & i18n
+
+- Add the discrete `<select>` filter field to `packets.js` (TR-5).
+- Wire the query parse, `hasActiveFilters`, `apiParams`, `pagination` params, and
+  `headerParams` (TR-5).
+- Add `packets.filter_path_width` to both locale files (TR-6).
+- Rebuild the SPA bundle via the Docker build pipeline (local `node build.js`
+  fails on a missing fontsource asset — build through compose).
+
+### Phase 5: Verify
+
+- `pytest --no-cov tests/test_api/test_packet_groups.py tests/test_collector/`
+- `pre-commit run --all-files`
+- Apply the migration on the stack and manually verify the filter on the packet
+  list (all three known widths; "Any" returns null-width rows too).
+
+## Open Questions
+
+- None outstanding. Metric (byte width), approach (persisted column), filter
+  shape (discrete select), and unknown-option exclusion (known widths only) are
+  all resolved.
+- **Phase-ordering window** (minor, not blocking): Between migration (Phase 1)
+  and collector ingester deploy (Phase 2), new RawPacket rows are inserted with
+  `path_hash_bytes = NULL`. The backfill fills historical rows, but a brief gap
+  exists for rows ingested during the deploy window. Once Phase 2 is active, new
+  rows carry the correct value and Phase 3 reads it. In practice the window is
+  seconds in a single `docker compose up -d` rebuild; any rows missed still render
+  `?B` (unchanged UX), and the next backfill run would catch them.
+- Minor follow-up (not blocking): whether to also surface `path_hash_bytes` on
+  the raw `/packets` endpoint's `RawPacketRead` schema, now that the column
+  exists.
+
+## References
+
+- `docs/plans/20260612-2014-raw-packets-feature/plan.md` — the Raw Packets
+  feature this builds on (model, collector chokepoint, channel-visibility
+  redaction, `/packets` SPA page).
+- `docs/plans/20260426-1137-improve-snr-path-visibility/plan.md` — prior
+  `path_len` (hop-count) column work and the "no backfill for per-observer
+  fields" decision (here we *do* backfill, since the value is derivable from the
+  already-stored `decoded` JSON).
+- `src/meshcore_hub/api/routes/packet_groups.py:54-59,198-216,240` — current
+  runtime `_path_hash_byte_width` + Phase 3 aggregation + redaction nulling
+  (to be replaced/deleted).
+- `src/meshcore_hub/collector/handlers/raw_packet.py:92-96,122-138` — `path_len`
+  precedent and the single `RawPacket(...)` construction site.
+- `src/meshcore_hub/collector/letsmesh_normalizer.py:826-867` —
+  `_extract_message_path_hashes` + `_normalize_hash_list` (staticmethod) to reuse.
+- `src/meshcore_hub/api/routes/raw_packets.py:165-172` — `min_snr`/`max_snr` and
+  `min_path_len`/`max_path_len` range-filter precedent.
+- `alembic/versions/20260622_2243_38abdf4651fc_add_spam_scoring_columns_to_messages.py`
+  — `batch_alter_table` add-column + index precedent (current migration head).
+- `alembic/versions/20260421_0001_normalize_public_key_case.py` — Python data
+  backfill precedent (`op.get_bind()`, dialect-aware raw SQL).
+- Recent commits: `f845830` (JSON tree / path flow / chart polish, PR #292),
+  `2c25a9c` (locale-aware numbers + filter panel redesign, PR #291) — the
+  reception-widget + filter-panel work this plan extends.
+
+## Review
+
+**Status**: Approved with Changes
+
+**Reviewed**: 2026-07-03
+
+### Resolutions
+
+- **Factual correction — aggregation fix is committed, not uncommitted**: The
+  Phase 3 MAX-across-all-receptions fix described as "uncommitted" was committed
+  in PR #292 (`f845830`). Updated to "recently committed (PR #292)".
+
+- **Gap — self-contained migration backfill**: Clarified that the backfill loop
+  must include a frozen, inline copy of the dual-path extraction +
+  `max(len//2)` logic. Rows with `decoded = NULL` are left as NULL (the
+  `WHERE path_hash_bytes IS NULL` clause naturally skips them).
+
+- **Gap — collector / API helper naming collision**: Noted that the collector's
+  `_path_hash_byte_width` helper mirrors the API route's (deleted in Phase 3),
+  so no persistent naming conflict exists.
+
+- **Risk — rows ingested between migration and collector deploy**: Added a brief
+  note under Open Questions that the Phase 1→2 deploy window can leave
+  `path_hash_bytes = NULL` for new rows, but the window is seconds in a compose
+  rebuild, and the UX is unchanged (`?B` label) for any rows missed.
+
+- **Postgres JSON type & backfill read mechanism**: Confirmed the `decoded`
+  column is SQLAlchemy `JSON` (not `JSONB`). The Python backfill reads decoded
+  as a Python `dict` via a Core `select()` on a `sa.Table` with a `sa.JSON`-typed
+  column — this routes through SQLAlchemy's JSON type adapter, which deserializes
+  consistently across SQLite (TEXT storage) and Postgres. Raw
+  `text("SELECT decoded ...")` must **not** be used: it bypasses the type adapter,
+  making deserialization driver-dependent (SQLite returns TEXT; Postgres/psycopg2
+  may return a parsed object or string). No SQL JSON operators are needed —
+  consistent with TR-3.
+
+### Remaining Action Items
+
+- **Migration down_revision**: Before generating the migration, confirm that
+  `38abdf4651fc` is still the head revision (new migrations may land between
+  plan approval and implementation). The `meshcore-hub db revision` command
+  auto-resolves this — just verify the `down_revision` value in the generated
+  file.
+
+- **Phase 2 collector test**: The existing `test_store_raw_packet` test in
+  `tests/test_collector/` does not appear to cover `path_len` persistence;
+  verify whether a collector test for the new column can sit alongside or
+  replace the `path_len` test, and whether the test fixture accepts
+  `decoded_packet=` with path hashes.
+
+- **Frontend bundle rebuild**: Must be built via Docker compose (local
+  `node build.js` fails on the fontsource asset). The plan notes this in
+  Phase 4.
diff --git a/docs/plans/20260703-2338-path-hash-bytes-filter/tasks.md b/docs/plans/20260703-2338-path-hash-bytes-filter/tasks.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d2b0537
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/plans/20260703-2338-path-hash-bytes-filter/tasks.md
@@ -0,0 +1,112 @@
+# Tasks: Persist & Filter by Path-Hash Byte Width
+
+> Generated from `plan.md` on 2026-07-03
+
+## 1. Model & Migration (Phase 1)
+
+- [x] 1.1 Add `path_hash_bytes` column to `RawPacket` model
+  - [x] 1.1.1 Add `Mapped[Optional[int]] = mapped_column(Integer, nullable=True)` after `path_len` in `src/meshcore_hub/common/models/raw_packet.py`
+  - [x] 1.1.2 Verify model test reflects new column (presence + default None)
+
+- [x] 1.2 Generate and customize alembic migration
+  - [x] 1.2.1 Run `meshcore-hub db revision --autogenerate -m "add path_hash_bytes to raw_packets"` against migration head `38abdf4651fc`
+  - [x] 1.2.2 Verify `down_revision` is `38abdf4651fc` in generated file
+  - [x] 1.2.3 Append self-contained Python batched backfill loop (~1000 rows/batch):
+    - Read `decoded` via Core `select()` on a `sa.Table` declared with a `sa.JSON`-typed column (routes through SQLAlchemy's JSON type adapter → `dict` on both SQLite and Postgres); do **not** use raw `text("SELECT decoded ...")` (bypasses the adapter → driver-dependent deserialization)
+    - Inline frozen dual-path extraction: `decoded["path"]` fallback `decoded.get("payload", {}).get("decoded", {}).get("pathHashes")`
+    - Normalize with inline `_normalize_hash_list` logic (split on `","`, strip)
+    - Compute `max(len(h) // 2 for h in hashes)` for each row
+    - `UPDATE raw_packets SET path_hash_bytes = ? WHERE id = ?`
+    - Skip NULL decoded rows (leave NULL)
+    - No imports of app code
+  - [x] 1.2.4 Verify downgrade drops the column
+  - [x] 1.2.5 Test migration with `meshcore-hub db upgrade` on both SQLite and Postgres backends
+
+## 2. Collector Ingest (Phase 2)
+
+- [x] 2.1 Add `_path_hash_byte_width` helper
+  - [x] 2.1.1 Add module-level `_path_hash_byte_width(hashes: list[str] | None) -> int | None` in `src/meshcore_hub/collector/handlers/raw_packet.py`
+  - [x] 2.1.2 Implement as `max(len(h) // 2 for h in hashes) if hashes else None`
+
+- [x] 2.2 Compute `path_hash_bytes` at ingest
+  - [x] 2.2.1 In `store_raw_packet`, after `path_len` block (~line 96), extract path hashes from `decoded_packet`:
+    - `LetsMeshNormalizer._normalize_hash_list(decoded_packet.get("path"))`
+    - Fallback: `_normalize_hash_list(decoded_packet.get("payload", {}).get("decoded", {}).get("pathHashes"))`
+  - [x] 2.2.2 Compute `path_hash_bytes = _path_hash_byte_width(hashes)` (None-safe)
+  - [x] 2.2.3 Pass `path_hash_bytes=path_hash_bytes` into `RawPacket(...)` kwargs (~line 122)
+  - [x] 2.2.4 Verify null-safe: no path / no decoded → `None`
+
+- [x] 2.3 Add collector unit test
+  - [x] 2.3.1 Create test in `tests/test_collector/` (or extend existing `test_store_raw_packet`) covering:
+    - `decoded.path` with hashes of mixed widths → correct MAX byte-width persisted
+    - Trace fallback `decoded.payload.decoded.pathHashes` → correct width
+    - No path present → `None`
+    - Verify `path_len` persistence test still passes alongside
+
+## 3. API Route (Phase 3)
+
+- [x] 3.1 Add SQL aggregate to group query
+  - [x] 3.1.1 In Phase 1 `group_query` select (`src/meshcore_hub/api/routes/packet_groups.py`), add:
+    `func.max(RawPacket.path_hash_bytes).label("path_hash_bytes")`
+  - [x] 3.1.2 Add `path_hash_bytes: Optional[int] = Query(None, ge=1, le=3)` parameter to route function
+  - [x] 3.1.3 Apply `HAVING` filter: `if path_hash_bytes is not None: group_query = group_query.having(func.max(RawPacket.path_hash_bytes) == path_hash_bytes)`
+  - [x] 3.1.4 Verify HAVING works with existing WHERE clauses and `func.count(RawPacket.id)`
+
+- [x] 3.2 Delete Phase 3 Python decode loop
+  - [x] 3.2.1 Remove the `decoded_rows` fetch + `width_by_hash` loop (lines 198-216)
+  - [x] 3.2.2 Replace with direct read: `path_hash_bytes=(None if is_redacted else grp.path_hash_bytes)`
+  - [x] 3.2.3 Remove dead `_path_hash_byte_width` helper (lines 54-59)
+  - [x] 3.2.4 Confirm `_extract_path_hashes` (line 36) is kept — still used by detail route at line 311
+
+- [x] 3.3 Update existing tests
+  - [x] 3.3.1 In `tests/test_api/test_packet_groups.py::TestPathHashBytes`, update insert fixtures to set `path_hash_bytes=` explicitly on `RawPacket` rows (tests bypass collector)
+  - [x] 3.3.2 Keep coverage for 1/2/3/None/redacted paths
+  - [x] 3.3.3 Verify all existing tests pass without Phase 3
+
+- [x] 3.4 Add filter tests
+  - [x] 3.4.1 `?path_hash_bytes=2` returns only width-2 groups
+  - [x] 3.4.2 `?path_hash_bytes=1` and `3` return correct subsets
+  - [x] 3.4.3 Missing parameter returns all groups (including null-width)
+  - [x] 3.4.4 Redacted group response field is still null despite persisted value
+  - [x] 3.4.5 Verify `total` count is correct when filtered vs unfiltered
+
+## 4. Frontend & i18n (Phase 4)
+
+- [x] 4.1 Add filter `<select>` to packets.js
+  - [x] 4.1.1 Parse `const path_hash_bytes = query.path_hash_bytes || '';` (~line 57)
+  - [x] 4.1.2 Extend `hasActiveFilters` with `|| path_hash_bytes !== ''` (~line 72)
+  - [x] 4.1.3 Add to `apiParams`: `if (path_hash_bytes !== '') apiParams.path_hash_bytes = path_hash_bytes;` (~line 111)
+  - [x] 4.1.4 Add `path_hash_bytes` to `pagination(...)` params (~line 166)
+  - [x] 4.1.5 Add `path_hash_bytes` to `headerParams` (~line 194)
+  - [x] 4.1.6 Add 4th entry to `filterFields` array (~line 170):
+    `<select name="path_hash_bytes" class="select select-sm" @change=${autoSubmit}>`
+    with options: Any (empty value) / 1B / 2B / 3B, mirroring `event_type` select style
+  - [x] 4.1.7 Option labels use `packets.path_width_bytes` (`{{count}}B`) and `common.all`
+
+- [x] 4.2 Add i18n keys
+  - [x] 4.2.1 Add `"packets.filter_path_width"` to `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/en.json` ("Path width")
+  - [x] 4.2.2 Add `"packets.filter_path_width"` to `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/nl.json` ("Padbreedte")
+
+- [x] 4.3 Rebuild SPA bundle
+  - [x] 4.3.1 Build via Docker compose pipeline (not local `node build.js` — fontsource asset requires compose context)
+
+## 5. Verification (Phase 5)
+
+- [x] 5.1 Run targeted tests
+  - [x] 5.1.1 `pytest --no-cov tests/test_api/test_packet_groups.py`
+  - [x] 5.1.2 `pytest --no-cov tests/test_collector/`
+  - [x] 5.1.3 `pytest --no-cov tests/test_common/` (model column test)
+
+- [x] 5.2 Run full test suite
+  - [x] 5.2.1 `pytest --no-cov 2>&1 | grep -iE "passed|failed" | tail -3`
+
+- [x] 5.3 Run pre-commit
+  - [x] 5.3.1 `pre-commit run --all-files`
+
+- [x] 5.4 Manual smoke test on Docker stack
+  - [x] 5.4.1 Apply migration: `docker compose run --rm migrate db upgrade`
+  - [x] 5.4.2 Rebuild and restart stack
+  - [x] 5.4.3 Verify packet list loads with all three width filters (1B/2B/3B)
+  - [x] 5.4.4 Verify "Any" filter returns all rows including null-width
+  - [x] 5.4.5 Verify filter survives pagination and sort changes via URL query string
+  - [x] 5.4.6 Verify redacted groups show `?B` on detail page
diff --git a/src/meshcore_hub/api/routes/packet_groups.py b/src/meshcore_hub/api/routes/packet_groups.py
index f5ac8b3..18fefdb 100644
--- a/src/meshcore_hub/api/routes/packet_groups.py
+++ b/src/meshcore_hub/api/routes/packet_groups.py
@@ -51,14 +51,6 @@ def _extract_path_hashes(decoded: dict[str, Any] | None) -> list[str] | None:
     return hashes if isinstance(hashes, list) else None
 
 
-def _path_hash_byte_width(path_hashes: Optional[list[str]]) -> Optional[int]:
-    """Widest path-hash prefix width in bytes (each hash is hex: 2/4/6 chars)."""
-    if not path_hashes:
-        return None
-    widths = [len(h) // 2 for h in path_hashes if isinstance(h, str) and h]
-    return max(widths) if widths else None
-
-
 def _get_tag_name(node: Optional[Node]) -> Optional[str]:
     if not node or not node.tags:
         return None
@@ -79,6 +71,9 @@ def list_packet_groups(
     ),
     event_type: Optional[str] = Query(None, description="Filter by event type"),
     channel_idx: Optional[int] = Query(None, description="Filter by channel index"),
+    path_hash_bytes: Optional[int] = Query(
+        None, ge=1, le=3, description="Filter by path-hash byte width (1/2/3)"
+    ),
     since: Optional[datetime] = Query(None, description="Start timestamp"),
     until: Optional[datetime] = Query(None, description="End timestamp"),
     sort: Optional[str] = Query(
@@ -120,6 +115,7 @@ def list_packet_groups(
             func.count(RawPacket.id).label("reception_count"),
             func.count(RawPacket.observer_node_id.distinct()).label("observer_count"),
             func.min(RawPacket.received_at).label("first_seen"),
+            func.max(RawPacket.path_hash_bytes).label("path_hash_bytes"),
         )
         .outerjoin(ObserverNode, RawPacket.observer_node_id == ObserverNode.id)
         .where(RawPacket.packet_hash.is_not(None))
@@ -146,6 +142,11 @@ def list_packet_groups(
 
     group_query = group_query.group_by(RawPacket.packet_hash)
 
+    if path_hash_bytes is not None:
+        group_query = group_query.having(
+            func.max(RawPacket.path_hash_bytes) == path_hash_bytes
+        )
+
     count_query = select(func.count()).select_from(group_query.subquery())
     total = session.execute(count_query).scalar() or 0
 
@@ -195,20 +196,6 @@ def list_packet_groups(
 
     group_counts = {r.packet_hash: r for r in group_rows}
 
-    # ── Phase 3: path-hash width — load decoded only for representative rows ───
-    rep_id_to_hash = {rep.id: h for h, rep in representative.items()}
-    width_by_hash: dict[str, Optional[int]] = {}
-    if rep_id_to_hash:
-        decoded_rows = session.execute(
-            select(RawPacket.id, RawPacket.decoded).where(
-                RawPacket.id.in_(rep_id_to_hash.keys())
-            )
-        ).all()
-        for rid, decoded in decoded_rows:
-            h = rep_id_to_hash.get(rid)
-            if h is not None:
-                width_by_hash[h] = _path_hash_byte_width(_extract_path_hashes(decoded))
-
     items = []
     for h in hashes:
         rep = representative.get(h)
@@ -231,7 +218,7 @@ def list_packet_groups(
                 ),
                 reception_count=grp.reception_count,
                 observer_count=grp.observer_count,
-                path_hash_bytes=(None if is_redacted else width_by_hash.get(h)),
+                path_hash_bytes=(None if is_redacted else grp.path_hash_bytes),
                 receptions=[],
                 first_seen=grp.first_seen,
                 redacted=is_redacted,
diff --git a/src/meshcore_hub/collector/handlers/raw_packet.py b/src/meshcore_hub/collector/handlers/raw_packet.py
index 07a5a3c..a763e42 100644
--- a/src/meshcore_hub/collector/handlers/raw_packet.py
+++ b/src/meshcore_hub/collector/handlers/raw_packet.py
@@ -42,6 +42,14 @@ def _extract_source_pubkey_prefix(
     return None
 
 
+def _path_hash_byte_width(hashes: list[str] | None) -> int | None:
+    """Widest path-hash prefix width in bytes (each hash is hex: 2/4/6 chars)."""
+    if not hashes:
+        return None
+    widths = [len(h) // 2 for h in hashes if isinstance(h, str) and h]
+    return max(widths) if widths else None
+
+
 def store_raw_packet(
     public_key: str,
     payload: dict[str, Any],
@@ -95,6 +103,14 @@ def store_raw_packet(
             decoded_packet
         )
 
+    path_hashes = LetsMeshNormalizer._normalize_hash_list(
+        decoded_packet.get("path") if isinstance(decoded_packet, dict) else None
+    )
+    if not path_hashes and isinstance(decoded_packet, dict):
+        inner = (decoded_packet.get("payload") or {}).get("decoded") or {}
+        path_hashes = LetsMeshNormalizer._normalize_hash_list(inner.get("pathHashes"))
+    path_hash_bytes = _path_hash_byte_width(path_hashes)
+
     snr = LetsMeshNormalizer._parse_float(payload.get("SNR"))
     if snr is None:
         snr = LetsMeshNormalizer._parse_float(payload.get("snr"))
@@ -131,6 +147,7 @@ def store_raw_packet(
                 source_pubkey_prefix=source_pubkey_prefix,
                 route_type=route_type,
                 path_len=path_len,
+                path_hash_bytes=path_hash_bytes,
                 snr=snr,
                 decoded=decoded_packet,
                 received_at=now,
diff --git a/src/meshcore_hub/common/models/raw_packet.py b/src/meshcore_hub/common/models/raw_packet.py
index 835c9f7..7247077 100644
--- a/src/meshcore_hub/common/models/raw_packet.py
+++ b/src/meshcore_hub/common/models/raw_packet.py
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ class RawPacket(Base, UUIDMixin, TimestampMixin):
             senderPublicKey, for efficient "packets from this node" filtering
         route_type: Mapped route type (flood, transport_flood, direct, ...)
         path_len: Hop count
+        path_hash_bytes: Widest path-hash prefix width in bytes (1/2/3)
         snr: Signal-to-noise ratio as reported by the observer
         decoded: Decoder summary JSON, so the detail view needs no re-decode
         received_at: When received by the observing interface
@@ -86,6 +87,10 @@ class RawPacket(Base, UUIDMixin, TimestampMixin):
         Integer,
         nullable=True,
     )
+    path_hash_bytes: Mapped[Optional[int]] = mapped_column(
+        Integer,
+        nullable=True,
+    )
     snr: Mapped[Optional[float]] = mapped_column(
         Float,
         nullable=True,
diff --git a/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/icons.js b/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/icons.js
index cf2c66c..2676b6c 100644
--- a/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/icons.js
+++ b/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/icons.js
@@ -170,6 +170,10 @@ export function iconTxPower(cls = 'h-5 w-5') {
     return html`<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class=${cls} fill="none" viewBox="0 0 24 24" stroke="currentColor"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M3.75 13.5l10.5-11.25L12 10.5h8.25L9.75 21.75 12 13.5H3.75z" /></svg>`;
 }
 
+export function iconRuler(cls = 'h-5 w-5') {
+    return html`<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class=${cls} fill="none" viewBox="0 0 24 24" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"><path d="M21.3 8.7 8.7 21.3a1 1 0 0 1-1.4 0L2.7 16.7a1 1 0 0 1 0-1.4L15.3 2.7a1 1 0 0 1 1.4 0l4.6 4.6a1 1 0 0 1 0 1.4Z" /><path d="m7.5 10.5 2 2" /><path d="m10.5 7.5 2 2" /><path d="m13.5 4.5 2 2" /><path d="m4.5 13.5 2 2" /></svg>`;
+}
+
 export function iconFilter(cls = 'h-5 w-5') {
     return html`<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class=${cls} fill="none" viewBox="0 0 24 24" stroke="currentColor"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M12 3c2.755 0 5.455.232 8.083.678.533.09.917.556.917 1.096v1.044a2.25 2.25 0 01-.659 1.591l-5.432 5.432a2.25 2.25 0 00-.659 1.591v2.927a2.25 2.25 0 01-1.244 2.013L9.75 21v-6.568a2.25 2.25 0 00-.659-1.591L3.659 7.409A2.25 2.25 0 013 5.818V4.774c0-.54.384-1.006.917-1.096A48.32 48.32 0 0112 3z" /></svg>`;
 }
diff --git a/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/packets.js b/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/packets.js
index 59b1199..25ec70b 100644
--- a/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/packets.js
+++ b/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/packets.js
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ import {
     renderFilterForm, renderFilterToggle, autoSubmit, submitOnEnter
 } from '../components.js';
 import { createAutoRefresh } from '../auto-refresh.js';
-import { iconSatelliteDish, iconPath } from '../icons.js';
+import { iconSatelliteDish, iconPath, iconRuler } from '../icons.js';
 
 const EVENT_TYPES = [
     'advertisement', 'channel_msg_recv', 'contact_msg_recv',
@@ -34,12 +34,19 @@ function receptionBadge(packet) {
     const rc = packet.reception_count ?? 1;
     const oc = packet.observer_count ?? 1;
     const pb = packet.path_hash_bytes;
+    const knownWidth = pb != null && pb > 0;
+    const widthLabel = knownWidth
+        ? t('packets.path_width_bytes', { count: pb })
+        : t('packets.path_width_unknown');
     return html`<span class="inline-flex items-center gap-1">
         ${iconSatelliteDish('h-4 w-4 opacity-70')}
         <span class="badge badge-sm badge-primary" title=${t('common.observers')}>${formatNumber(oc)}</span>
+        <span class="opacity-40" aria-hidden="true">×</span>
         ${iconPath('h-4 w-4 opacity-70')}
         <span class="badge badge-sm badge-primary" title=${t('packets.reception_plural')}>${formatNumber(rc)}</span>
-        ${pb ? html`<span class="badge badge-sm badge-ghost" title=${t('packets.path_width_title')}>${t('packets.path_width_bytes', { count: pb })}</span>` : nothing}
+        <span class="opacity-40" aria-hidden="true">@</span>
+        ${iconRuler('h-4 w-4 opacity-70')}
+        <span class="badge badge-sm badge-primary ${knownWidth ? '' : 'opacity-60'}" title=${t('packets.path_width_title')}>${widthLabel}</span>
     </span>`;
 }
 
@@ -49,6 +56,7 @@ export async function render(container, params, router) {
     const search = query.search || '';
     const event_type = query.event_type || '';
     const channel_idx = query.channel_idx || '';
+    const path_hash_bytes = query.path_hash_bytes || '';
     const page = parseInt(query.page, 10) || 1;
     const limit = parseInt(query.limit, 10) || 20;
     const offset = (page - 1) * limit;
@@ -63,7 +71,7 @@ export async function render(container, params, router) {
     let lastContent = nothing;
     let lastTotal = null;
     let currentFilterFields = [];
-    const hasActiveFilters = search !== '' || event_type !== '' || channel_idx !== '';
+    const hasActiveFilters = search !== '' || event_type !== '' || channel_idx !== '' || path_hash_bytes !== '';
 
     function onFilterToggle() { renderPage(lastContent, { total: lastTotal }); }
 
@@ -104,6 +112,7 @@ ${displayContent}`, container);
             const apiParams = { limit, offset, search, sort, order };
             if (event_type) apiParams.event_type = event_type;
             if (channel_idx !== '') apiParams.channel_idx = channel_idx;
+            if (path_hash_bytes !== '') apiParams.path_hash_bytes = path_hash_bytes;
 
             const [data, channelsData] = await Promise.all([
                 apiGet('/api/v1/packet-groups', apiParams, { signal }),
@@ -157,7 +166,7 @@ ${displayContent}`, container);
                 </tr>`);
 
             const paginationBlock = pagination(page, totalPages, '/packets', {
-                search, event_type, channel_idx, limit, sort, order,
+                search, event_type, channel_idx, path_hash_bytes, limit, sort, order,
             });
 
             const filterFields = [
@@ -181,10 +190,18 @@ ${displayContent}`, container);
                     <option value="" ?selected=${channel_idx === ''}>${t('common.all_channels')}</option>
                     ${channelList.map(c => html`<option value=${c.idx} ?selected=${String(channel_idx) === String(c.idx)}>${c.name} (${c.idx})</option>`)}
                 </select>
+            </div>`,
+                () => html`
+            <div class="flex flex-col gap-1 max-w-48">
+                <label class="flex items-center py-1"><span class="opacity-80 text-sm">${t('packets.filter_path_width')}</span></label>
+                <select name="path_hash_bytes" class="select select-sm" @change=${autoSubmit}>
+                    <option value="" ?selected=${path_hash_bytes === ''}>${t('common.all')}</option>
+                    ${[1, 2, 3].map(w => html`<option value=${w} ?selected=${path_hash_bytes === String(w)}>${t('packets.path_width_bytes', { count: w })}</option>`)}
+                </select>
             </div>`,
             ];
 
-            const headerParams = { search, event_type, channel_idx, limit };
+            const headerParams = { search, event_type, channel_idx, path_hash_bytes, limit };
             const sortable = (label, sortKey) => sortableTableHeader(label, {
                 sortKey, currentSort: sort, currentOrder: order,
                 navigate, basePath: '/packets', params: headerParams,
diff --git a/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/en.json b/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/en.json
index e6a4105..b97d5e0 100644
--- a/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/en.json
+++ b/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/en.json
@@ -82,6 +82,7 @@
     "sign_out": "Sign Out",
     "view_details": "View Details",
     "all_types": "All Types",
+    "all": "Any",
     "all_channels": "All Channels",
     "all_members": "All Members",
     "all_operators": "All Operators",
@@ -218,6 +219,7 @@
   },
   "packets": {
     "filter_event_type": "Event Type",
+    "filter_path_width": "Path Width",
     "filter_min_snr": "Min SNR",
     "filter_max_snr": "Max SNR",
     "redacted": "Restricted",
@@ -248,6 +250,7 @@
     "path_nodes_more": "+{{count}} more — view all →",
     "not_found_retention": "Packet not found — it may have been cleaned up due to data retention.",
     "path_width_bytes": "{{count}}B",
+    "path_width_unknown": "?B",
     "path_width_title": "Path hash width (bytes)",
     "sort": {
       "newest": "Time (newest)",
diff --git a/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/nl.json b/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/nl.json
index e46d29e..469c19e 100644
--- a/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/nl.json
+++ b/src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/nl.json
@@ -80,6 +80,7 @@
     "sign_out": "Uitloggen",
     "view_details": "Details bekijken",
     "all_types": "Alle types",
+    "all": "Alle",
     "node_type": "Knooppunttype",
     "show": "Toon",
     "search_placeholder": "Zoek op naam, ID of publieke sleutel...",
@@ -160,6 +161,7 @@
   },
   "packets": {
     "filter_event_type": "Gebeurtenistype",
+    "filter_path_width": "Padbreedte",
     "filter_min_snr": "Min. SNR",
     "filter_max_snr": "Max. SNR",
     "redacted": "Beperkt",
@@ -184,6 +186,7 @@
     "path_nodes_more": "+{{count}} meer — alle bekijken →",
     "not_found_retention": "Pakket niet gevonden — mogelijk opgeschoond door dataretentie.",
     "path_width_bytes": "{{count}}B",
+    "path_width_unknown": "?B",
     "path_width_title": "Breedte pad-hash (bytes)",
     "sort": {
       "newest": "Tijd (nieuwste)",
diff --git a/tests/test_api/test_packet_groups.py b/tests/test_api/test_packet_groups.py
index 23b0f3e..199d630 100644
--- a/tests/test_api/test_packet_groups.py
+++ b/tests/test_api/test_packet_groups.py
@@ -300,14 +300,14 @@ class TestListPacketGroups:
 
 
 class TestPathHashBytes:
-    """Tests for the derived path_hash_bytes field on the list endpoint."""
+    """Tests for the persisted path_hash_bytes field on the list endpoint."""
 
     def test_one_byte_path(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
         api_db_session.add(
             RawPacket(
                 raw_hex="AA",
                 packet_hash="H1",
-                decoded={"path": ["aa", "bb"]},
+                path_hash_bytes=1,
                 received_at=_now(),
             )
         )
@@ -320,7 +320,7 @@ class TestPathHashBytes:
             RawPacket(
                 raw_hex="AA",
                 packet_hash="H1",
-                decoded={"path": ["aabb"]},
+                path_hash_bytes=2,
                 received_at=_now(),
             )
         )
@@ -328,17 +328,45 @@ class TestPathHashBytes:
         item = client_no_auth.get("/api/v1/packet-groups").json()["items"][0]
         assert item["path_hash_bytes"] == 2
 
-    def test_mixed_path_uses_max(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
+    def test_three_byte_path(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
         api_db_session.add(
             RawPacket(
                 raw_hex="AA",
                 packet_hash="H1",
-                decoded={"path": ["aa", "aabb"]},
+                path_hash_bytes=3,
                 received_at=_now(),
             )
         )
         api_db_session.commit()
         item = client_no_auth.get("/api/v1/packet-groups").json()["items"][0]
+        assert item["path_hash_bytes"] == 3
+
+    def test_width_aggregates_across_receptions(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
+        """Width is observer-relative; take the widest across all receptions.
+
+        The oldest reception (representative) carries no path, while a newer
+        reception of the same packet saw a 2-byte path. The badge must reflect
+        the widest path seen, not just the representative row.
+        """
+        base = _now()
+        api_db_session.add(
+            RawPacket(
+                raw_hex="AA",
+                packet_hash="H1",
+                path_hash_bytes=None,
+                received_at=base,
+            )
+        )
+        api_db_session.add(
+            RawPacket(
+                raw_hex="BB",
+                packet_hash="H1",
+                path_hash_bytes=2,
+                received_at=base.replace(microsecond=base.microsecond + 1),
+            )
+        )
+        api_db_session.commit()
+        item = client_no_auth.get("/api/v1/packet-groups").json()["items"][0]
         assert item["path_hash_bytes"] == 2
 
     def test_no_path_returns_none(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
@@ -366,7 +394,7 @@ class TestPathHashBytes:
                 raw_hex="SECRET",
                 packet_hash="ADM_HASH",
                 channel_idx=adm_idx,
-                decoded={"path": ["aabb"]},
+                path_hash_bytes=2,
                 received_at=_now(),
             )
         )
@@ -376,6 +404,142 @@ class TestPathHashBytes:
         assert item["path_hash_bytes"] is None
 
 
+class TestPathHashBytesFilter:
+    """Tests for the ?path_hash_bytes= query filter."""
+
+    def test_filter_returns_only_matching_width(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
+        now = _now()
+        api_db_session.add_all(
+            [
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="A", packet_hash="H1", path_hash_bytes=1, received_at=now
+                ),
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="B", packet_hash="H2", path_hash_bytes=2, received_at=now
+                ),
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="C", packet_hash="H3", path_hash_bytes=3, received_at=now
+                ),
+            ]
+        )
+        api_db_session.commit()
+
+        data = client_no_auth.get("/api/v1/packet-groups?path_hash_bytes=2").json()
+        assert data["total"] == 1
+        assert data["items"][0]["packet_hash"] == "H2"
+
+    def test_filter_width_1(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
+        now = _now()
+        api_db_session.add_all(
+            [
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="A", packet_hash="H1", path_hash_bytes=1, received_at=now
+                ),
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="B", packet_hash="H2", path_hash_bytes=3, received_at=now
+                ),
+            ]
+        )
+        api_db_session.commit()
+
+        data = client_no_auth.get("/api/v1/packet-groups?path_hash_bytes=1").json()
+        assert data["total"] == 1
+        assert data["items"][0]["packet_hash"] == "H1"
+
+    def test_filter_width_3(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
+        now = _now()
+        api_db_session.add_all(
+            [
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="A", packet_hash="H1", path_hash_bytes=1, received_at=now
+                ),
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="B", packet_hash="H2", path_hash_bytes=3, received_at=now
+                ),
+            ]
+        )
+        api_db_session.commit()
+
+        data = client_no_auth.get("/api/v1/packet-groups?path_hash_bytes=3").json()
+        assert data["total"] == 1
+        assert data["items"][0]["packet_hash"] == "H2"
+
+    def test_no_filter_returns_all_including_null(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
+        now = _now()
+        api_db_session.add_all(
+            [
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="A", packet_hash="H1", path_hash_bytes=1, received_at=now
+                ),
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="B", packet_hash="H2", path_hash_bytes=None, received_at=now
+                ),
+            ]
+        )
+        api_db_session.commit()
+
+        data = client_no_auth.get("/api/v1/packet-groups").json()
+        assert data["total"] == 2
+        widths = {i["path_hash_bytes"] for i in data["items"]}
+        assert widths == {1, None}
+
+    def test_filter_excludes_null_width(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
+        now = _now()
+        api_db_session.add_all(
+            [
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="A", packet_hash="H1", path_hash_bytes=None, received_at=now
+                ),
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="B", packet_hash="H2", path_hash_bytes=2, received_at=now
+                ),
+            ]
+        )
+        api_db_session.commit()
+
+        data = client_no_auth.get("/api/v1/packet-groups?path_hash_bytes=2").json()
+        assert data["total"] == 1
+        assert data["items"][0]["path_hash_bytes"] == 2
+
+    def test_filter_redacted_group_still_null(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
+        adm_key = "FFEEDDCCBBAA99887766554433221100"
+        adm_idx = int(Channel.compute_channel_hash(adm_key), 16)
+        now = _now()
+        api_db_session.add(
+            Channel(
+                name="Adm",
+                key_hex=adm_key,
+                channel_hash=Channel.compute_channel_hash(adm_key),
+                visibility="admin",
+                enabled=True,
+            )
+        )
+        api_db_session.add_all(
+            [
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="SECRET",
+                    packet_hash="ADM",
+                    channel_idx=adm_idx,
+                    path_hash_bytes=2,
+                    received_at=now,
+                ),
+                RawPacket(
+                    raw_hex="OK",
+                    packet_hash="PUB",
+                    path_hash_bytes=2,
+                    received_at=now,
+                ),
+            ]
+        )
+        api_db_session.commit()
+
+        data = client_no_auth.get("/api/v1/packet-groups?path_hash_bytes=2").json()
+        assert data["total"] == 2
+        adm = next(i for i in data["items"] if i["packet_hash"] == "ADM")
+        assert adm["redacted"] is True
+        assert adm["path_hash_bytes"] is None
+
+
 class TestGetPacketGroup:
     """Tests for GET /packet-groups/{hash} (detail)."""
 
diff --git a/tests/test_collector/test_handlers/test_raw_packet.py b/tests/test_collector/test_handlers/test_raw_packet.py
index 58bb69d..d77b1e7 100644
--- a/tests/test_collector/test_handlers/test_raw_packet.py
+++ b/tests/test_collector/test_handlers/test_raw_packet.py
@@ -144,3 +144,84 @@ class TestStoreRawPacketEdges:
 
         rp = db_session.execute(select(RawPacket)).scalar_one()
         assert rp.source_pubkey_prefix is None
+
+
+class TestStoreRawPacketPathHashBytes:
+    """Tests for path_hash_bytes computation at ingest."""
+
+    def test_top_level_path_max_byte_width(self, db_manager, db_session):
+        """Mixed-width hashes in decoded.path persist the widest byte width."""
+        decoded = {
+            "payloadType": 1,
+            "path": ["aa", "aabbcc"],
+            "pathLength": 2,
+            "payload": {"decoded": {"sourceHash": "AABBCCDD"}},
+        }
+        store_raw_packet(
+            "a" * 64, {"raw": "00", "hash": "h1"}, decoded, "flood", db_manager
+        )
+
+        rp = db_session.execute(select(RawPacket)).scalar_one()
+        assert rp.path_hash_bytes == 3
+
+    def test_trace_fallback_path_hashes(self, db_manager, db_session):
+        """Trace-style pathHashes in payload.decoded are used as fallback."""
+        decoded = {
+            "payloadType": 1,
+            "payload": {"decoded": {"pathHashes": ["aabb", "ccdd"]}},
+        }
+        store_raw_packet(
+            "a" * 64, {"raw": "00", "hash": "h1"}, decoded, "trace", db_manager
+        )
+
+        rp = db_session.execute(select(RawPacket)).scalar_one()
+        assert rp.path_hash_bytes == 2
+
+    def test_one_byte_path(self, db_manager, db_session):
+        """Single-byte hashes persist width 1."""
+        decoded = {
+            "payloadType": 1,
+            "path": ["aa", "bb"],
+            "payload": {"decoded": {}},
+        }
+        store_raw_packet(
+            "a" * 64, {"raw": "00", "hash": "h1"}, decoded, "flood", db_manager
+        )
+
+        rp = db_session.execute(select(RawPacket)).scalar_one()
+        assert rp.path_hash_bytes == 1
+
+    def test_no_path_returns_none(self, db_manager, db_session):
+        """No path hashes at all persist path_hash_bytes = None."""
+        decoded = {"payloadType": 3, "payload": {"decoded": {}}}
+        store_raw_packet(
+            "a" * 64, {"raw": "00", "hash": "h1"}, decoded, "ack", db_manager
+        )
+
+        rp = db_session.execute(select(RawPacket)).scalar_one()
+        assert rp.path_hash_bytes is None
+
+    def test_null_decoded_returns_none(self, db_manager, db_session):
+        """A None decoded_packet leaves path_hash_bytes as None."""
+        store_raw_packet(
+            "a" * 64, {"raw": "00", "hash": "h1"}, None, "unknown", db_manager
+        )
+
+        rp = db_session.execute(select(RawPacket)).scalar_one()
+        assert rp.path_hash_bytes is None
+
+    def test_path_len_still_persisted(self, db_manager, db_session):
+        """path_len is still persisted alongside path_hash_bytes."""
+        decoded = {
+            "payloadType": 1,
+            "path": ["aa", "bb", "cc"],
+            "pathLength": 3,
+            "payload": {"decoded": {"sourceHash": "AABBCCDD"}},
+        }
+        store_raw_packet(
+            "a" * 64, {"raw": "00", "hash": "h1"}, decoded, "flood", db_manager
+        )
+
+        rp = db_session.execute(select(RawPacket)).scalar_one()
+        assert rp.path_len == 3
+        assert rp.path_hash_bytes == 1
diff --git a/tests/test_common/test_models.py b/tests/test_common/test_models.py
index 8b19dc3..382fa21 100644
--- a/tests/test_common/test_models.py
+++ b/tests/test_common/test_models.py
@@ -109,6 +109,7 @@ class TestRawPacketModel:
         assert packet.raw_hex is None
         assert packet.channel_idx is None
         assert packet.source_pubkey_prefix is None
+        assert packet.path_hash_bytes is None
         assert packet.decoded is None
 
     def test_raw_packet_indexes(self) -> None: